The Example of Alce Nero

Italy has always been the land of choice for organic food. It is the first producer in Europe, and in the world top ten in terms of land surface dedicated to organic farming. The segment’s total turnover, including domestic and foreign sales, adds up to around 3 billion euros, with Italy ranking fourth in the EU after Germany, France, and the UK, and sixth globally. As recent research carried out by Ismea and Gfk-Eurisko reveals, in 2012 organic food business volumes showed an increase of 7.3%, less than the 9% recorded for the previous twelve months, but in any case positive considering the large-scale contraction in consumption due to the financial crisis. The history of organic farming in Italy is long, and has consolidated notably over the decades. Companies like Alce Nero group thousands of farmers, cooperatives and processers which have applied the organic model since the 1970s. Today, society can benefit from the fruit of its commitment, with double-digit growth last year and more promising results expected for 2013. To find out more about organic food in Italy see the report in Distribuzione Moderna.